Lipizzan Breed Standard

The following has been approved by a vote of the USLR membership as the Lipizzan breed standard.

This information is for educational purposes only. Definition of Outward Appearance Among the different breeds, the Lipizzan has an exclusive position. This cultural breed is considered to be the most ancient in Europe.
As a parade horse, the Lipizzan shows nobleness, expression, and talent for dressage and carriage. He must have a moderate, well-balanced nature and a good character. The body is rectangular and the ideal height is between 155–158 cm (15.1–15.2h) at the withers. The traditional gray color is dominant.

Type:
Both the riding and driving horse types are accepted in the Lipizzan breed. Both should be judged within its special character; extremes should be disliked. The sub convex profile throughout the body with rounded outlines is typical for the breed.

Height:
The average height, to be measured at the withers, is 155–158 cm. (15.1–15.2h) for males at the age of six. Bigger or smaller horses must be harmonious in extra-good breed character.

Color:
The gray color is dominant. Brown and black occur and should remain; all other colors are disliked.

Attitude:
The Lipizzan has a natural ability for concentration, with a great disposition for collected High School work and/or great endurance for riding and driving. Movements The Lipizzan has a proud and elevated action, and is long, elegant and in complete balance in walk, trot, and canter.

Head:
The head is well-proportioned, of medium length, narrow and dry, without a too-pronounced lower jaw and the cheek inclined to be round. A slightly convex profile belongs to the breed character; the too-fine (Arabic) and the too-convex (ram head) should occur only infrequently.
The eyes are large and dark, expressive and confident. The ears are of medium length, fine, and expressive.

Neck:
The neck is medium length, arched with a narrow mainline. The junction between the head and neck is not too narrow. The neck is deep in the base and well-inserted between the shoulders, rising up from the withers without interruption. Withers The withers are well-developed and long, not well-expressed, with a smooth transition from the back to the neck, and always higher than the croup.

Chest:
The chest is of medium size, deep, and muscular. Ribcage The ribcage is well-developed, deep, and not too long, with ribs obliquely arched into the joint with the spinal column.

Shoulder:
The shoulder should be long, sloping, and well-muscled.

Back:
The back is well-defined and tending towards the horizontal, making a smooth union between the withers and loins. Loins The loins are short, wide, muscular, slightly convex, and well-connected with the back and croup, with which they form a continuous, harmonious line.

Croup:
The croup is strong and rounded, well-muscled and balanced, and slightly sloping. The length must not be shorter than the width, and the profile convex and harmonious, with the point of the hip not too pronounced. The tail must not be set too deep, with long and silky hair.

Legs:
The legs are well-muscled with regular angles. The joints are well-proportioned and dry. The upper arm is straight and muscular. The cannons are not too long. The fetlocks are dry, with very little hair. The pasterns are of medium length and regularly angled.

Hooves:
The hooves are hard, of good quality, well-defined, and proportional.

Temperament and Character:
The Lipizzan's temperament and character is noble, generous, and ardent, but always gentle, friendly, willing to work, able to bear pressure, and directed towards people.